Assistant Professor Research

Working/Functional Title

Assistant Professor – Fishery Stock Assessment

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University invites applications for a full‑time, 12 month fixed‑term Assistant Professor Research with a 100% research assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be 7/1/2024. This is one of two new fishery stock assessment positions; candidates who wish to be considered for both positions should apply to both.

The Quantitative Fisheries Center (QFC) seeks a Research Assistant Professor with experience in quantitative fisheries stock assessment and harvest simulation modeling to modernize walleye and yellow perch statistical catch‑at‑age models in Lake Erie and evaluate sustainable harvest policies. Currently, the bi‑nationally managed Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch fisheries are valued at more than $1 billion USD/yr, and presently represent the only Marine Stewardship Council certified fisheries in the Laurentian Great Lakes.

The hired scientist will work closely with the Lake Erie Committee (LEC), Lake Erie Walleye Task Group (WTG) and the Yellow Perch Task Group (YPTG) to translate existing stock assessment models from ADMB to RTMB and conduct assessment research to improve existing assessment modeling approaches. Anticipated activities and research include
1) translating existing assessment models from ADMB to RTMB,
2) conducting research to further existing models to the state‑space modeling framework, and
3) making structural changes to models as requested by the WTG and YPTG. Upon completion of assessment model changes, the candidate will use simulation modeling to explore the robustness of existing harvest policies and evaluate new policies. The researcher will join an exciting team of fisheries scientists working at the Quantitative Fisheries Center and will help with efforts to improve fishery stock assessments throughout the Great Lakes.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Doctorate
-fisheries or wildlife science

An earned Ph.D. in fisheries or wildlife science, or related discipline with a strong background in fishery stock assessment modeling and harvest policy analysis. A demonstrated record of activities in research including at a post‑doctoral research associate or some other Ph.D.‑level research scientist position focused on assessment modeling, harvest policy analysis, or management strategy evaluation.

Familiarity with AD Model Builder or Template Model Builder, particularly RTMB, is highly desired. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience engaging agency personnel and stakeholders at the interface of technical analysis and resource management.

Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes a) qualifications and interest in the position (2‑page maximum); b) current curriculum vitae; c) a description of how you will contribute to CANR’s positive culture, fair access to resources and to creating a sense of belonging; and d) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Salary and Benefits: $75,000 + benefits. Initial appointment is for 1 year with a possibility of 1 or more annual extensions depending on performance and needs identified by Great Lakes stock assessment scientists. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

Review of Applications: The search committee will begin reviewing applications on May 15, 2024, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair:
Dr. Travis Brenden, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, brenden, 1‑517‑355‑0003.

05/15/2024